Originally Posted by
tomj888
Hi, I am new to this forum. I have recently achieved Hilton Diamond status. Going to Chicago early next month. Want to check out the Waldorf Chicago. As I understand it, due to my status, I can ask for an upgrade to a suite. Is there a certain expectation? Is an upgrade automatic for Diamond status? When booking room categories, is there a strategy? For example, I stay at Four Seasons often, I book the category below the one I hope to get upgraded to. I"d appreciate all insights and suggestions. Thank you in advance, Tom
I believe you need to lower expectation particularly when traveling within the US. Diamond status gave and is giving me excellent perks in properties across Asia and Europe: upgrades (95% of stays, you receive an email three days before your check in date), occasionally a suite upgrade and always full breakfast.
In the US, I suspect due to the large number of diamond members, the situation is very different: you get daily credit instead of full breakfast and rarely an upgrade. I never had a suite upgrade in any US hotel.
Upgrades should be automatic, subject to availability, at least one category up, but in many properties that means just a higher floor. You can still ask when checking in, should they have something better to offer.
In general, upgrades are dictated by season and location.